Description
These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with warm spices and a tangy lemon frosting. Made with fresh grated carrots and zucchini, walnuts, and a hint of ginger, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, combining wholesome ingredients with indulgent frosting for a deliciously satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrot
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups regular flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting
- 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Small clumps of brown sugar are fine as they’ll dissolve while standing. Gently fold in the grated carrot, grated zucchini, and chopped walnuts until combined.
- Prepare and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Mix Batter and Prepare for Baking: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing. Spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
- Bake and Cool the Cake: Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to allow the bars to set properly.
- Prepare and Apply the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the reduced-fat cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled bars evenly. Cut into 36 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use freshly grated carrots and zucchini for best texture and flavor.
- Chopped walnuts add texture but can be omitted for nut-free option.
- Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture; substitute with maple syrup if preferred.
- Store bars refrigerated due to cream cheese frosting and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1.5x2 inch piece)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: carrot bars, zucchini bars, ginger dessert, cream cheese frosting, lemon frosting, spiced bars, healthy dessert
